It might not be your typical exercise program, but if it works…

I have been reading articles about the Wii game system. It’s becoming very popular in age groups the designers never imagined – not just baby boomers, but their parents. Who would have thought?

Well, I just broke into that group too. I bought a Wii system on EBay last week and am just waiting for it to be delivered. Now, what has this got to do with pain? It’s quite simple.

Chronic pain often makes people slow down and reduce their exercise. After all, if you’re hurting, why do anything that may aggravate the pain, right? However, that’s not the way to go. Your body still needs exercise. If it doesn’t get exercise, chronic pain can actually become worse as the body becomes sedentary.  According to this article Exercise takes the edge off chronic pain, an exercise program can help encourage your body to release endorphins, which can help reduce pain, make you more flexible and stronger, boost your energy level and your mood, promote better sleep at night, and maintain your body’s overall health.

But, despite the best of intentions, often exercise programs fall by the wayside. Millions of dollars are spent on gym memberships that people stop using and exercise equipment in the home that end up gathering dust. I thought that a Wii, although not the same thing as getting out on the tennis court or in the boxing ring, would at least get me moving and let me have some fun with my family at the same time.

My 20-year-old and 16-year-old sons couldn’t believe that I bought it; the older one was speechless and younger one was quite happy! My 18-year-old daughter was in shock when I pressed Enter and placed my bid in the auction. My husband is still scratching his head over his wife’s latest purchase. As for me? I’m looking forward to challenging my family to various games. A little bit of fun and laughter is really good medicine for what ails you, I think.